Capped-price servicing for Volkswagen starts on Up, but could soon expand to others

VOLKSWAGEN Australia is offering capped-price servicing on its newly launched Up micro-car as a toe-in-the-water exercise ahead of a potential roll-out across its entire range.

The scheme follows the trend set by several fellow top-ten brands including Toyota, Holden, Hyundai, Ford, Nissan and Mitsubishi, who all offer similar plans in order to alleviate a lack of transparency in the servicing process, where many dealers quote disparate service prices.

The plan will be available at all Volkswagen Australia dealerships, and VW Australia managing director Anke Koechler told GoAuto this morning it was designed to change the perception that the German brand's cars were too expensive to service.

“It was important first for us to get our partners (dealers) behind our ideas, and everybody is convinced it is the right approach,” she said.

“We are looking into the other product as well... sometimes it is all about the perception (that we are expensive) and unfortunately perception isn't reality, so we have to convince our customers that we are not that expensive.

“These are our true costs, but we want to make sure our customers get the transparency.”

The scheme applies for the first six years or 90,000km (whichever comes first) with annual service intervals. The first service on the Up – which retails from $13,990 plus on-road costs – is due after 12 months/15,000km and 24 months/30,000km respectively, costs $280.

The 36 month/45,000km service costs $332.50, the 48 month/60,000km will set buyers back $369.50, the 75,000km/60 month service is priced at $280 and the final 90 month/72,000km service will cost $332.50.

The price of each service may be higher than many other brands, but several of these company's also have shorter, six month intervals between services.

Every two years buyers will also have to fork out extra for new brake fluid ($83.70) and a new pollen filter ($40.50).